Thirteen weeks have now passed since the last home game of the 2013/14 season was played on the Garden’s main pitch. However, Franklin’s Gardens will come alive again on Saturday as the Saints take on Rotherham in the first of a trio of pre-season friendlies.

The game, which kicks off at 3pm, will see the Saints looking to get the pre-season off to a winning start after the successes of last season. However, the Saints will have to play well if they want to beat Rotherham, who were one of the standout teams in the Championship last season, finishing fourth in the table and pushing Bristol hard in the play-offs.

To boost his side’s campaign, Rotherham’s highly-rated coach Lee Blackett has made several new signings for the new season, including 23-year-old South African scrum-half Zylon McGaffin, who has represented North South Africa Under-18s and spent time playing for Pretoria Harlequins. Sean Robinson is another exciting new player for Rotherham, with the former England Students player on a season-long loan from Newcastle Falcons.

Over the past few years Clifton Lane has become a significant nurturing ground for potential Aviva Premiership talent. As well as the Saints’ own Sam Dickinson and Gareth Denman, the likes of Saracens winger David Strettle and former London Irish Number Eight Chris Hala’Ufia both spent time in South Yorkshire, while the Titans have seen fly half Juan Pablo Socino (Newcastle) and Number Eight Laurence Pearce (Leicester) both move on to top flight clubs this past summer.

Under Blackett’s guidance Rotherham has become a team renowned for fast-paced rugby and so the Saints first pre-season game will inevitably be a hugely exciting game.

Tickets for the game are available from just £5 for juniors and £10 for adults. Book online right now by CLICKING HERE and following the straightforward instructions!